Hyperpigmentation is a skin disorder which results to black skin patches due to the excessive production of melanin. Many things, for instance, sun damage, hormones fluctuations, acne, and aging may cause hyperpigmented skin to occur. Clay facial masks fall under the numerous treatments that are offered, and many of its users assume that its use is natural. But do they really play a role in regulating melanin synthesis on hyper-pigmented skin?
Understanding Hyperpigmentation and Melanin Production
As it was described above, melanin is synthesized by melanocytes – particular cells in the epidermis of the human skin. They respond to such agents as ultraviolet (UV) light, and produce melanin in larger quantities thus causing conditions such as hyperpigmentation. It is a defense shield in the skin as it shields the skin from dangerous UV rays but its overproduction can lead to skin discoloration.
Skin discolouration is of several types, such as melasma, sunspots or lentigines, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Though melanin synthesis is a multifaceted process dependent on the hereditary, environmental, and endogenous factors, most of the modern cosmetic procedures either attempt to suppress the melanogenesis, or increase the rate of skin cell renewal, so that hyperpigmented spots become less and less visible.
Clay Masks and Their Benefits for the Skin
Clay masks are very famous for its capability of removing toxins and excess sebum from the skin that is why they are good for oily and acne affected skin. Some of the most frequently used clays in facial masks are bentonite clay, kaolin and fuller’s earth. These clays are very nutritive and perform the function of pulling out toxins from our skin, reducing pore blockage and oil build-up.
The benefits of clay masks include:
Detoxification: Insofar as clay has the capability of cleansing; it helps in eliminating toxins, dirt, and pollutants on the skin.
Oil Control: Clay masks also have oil controlling properties which means that the skin’s sebum production will not be as high and therefore the skin will not break out into pimples as often.
Pore Tightening: It is recommended to apply these products on the skin as often as possible in order to reduce the depth of pores.
Exfoliation: Clay is kind of abrasive and help in shedding skin off the surface to improve on facial cell turnover.
How Clay Masks Affect Melanin Production
Although clay masks have several advantages on the skin, there is no evidence pointing towards the fact that clay masks have the ability to affect melanin synthesis in the skin with hyper-pigmentation. The primary use of clay masks is to detoxify and sort of ‘whitening’ the skin, not changing its colour. But, they seem to be associated with the benefits of exfoliating in that they can indirectly enhance the look of the skin discoloration.
1. Exfoliation and Skin Renewal: Clay masks moisturize skin and because they are gentle can help in removing dead skin cells hence promoting the turnover. Daily wash helps in the removal of the areas with pigmented skin cells therefore reducing them overtime.
2. Reduction of Inflammation: The skin will take time to heal and may turn darker than the normal skin color after being inflamed due to acne or other skin injuries; this condition is referred to as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Clay masks especially those that has anti-inflammatory property such as kaolin may help minimize inflammation and thus less chance of creating new dark spot.
3. Enhanced Absorption of Other Ingredients: Clay masks help to reduce the dead cells, for the skin to prepare and be responsive to the other skin care products. If combined with illuminating brighteners, such as Vitamin C, Niacinamide, or Licorice root extract, then the efficiency of those treatments might be improved on hyperpigmented skin.
Limitations of Clay Masks in Treating Hyperpigmentation
Clay masks may complement the treatment for hyperpigmented skin if used together with proper skincare routine for hyperpigmentation problems. Neither do they bind with tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin synthesis, an important molecular site that is targeted in depigmenting therapies. Some of them include hydroquinone, kojic acid and arbutin which are specially manufactured to inhibit the formation of melanin through the inhibition of tyrosinase enzyme activity.
Besides, the use of clay masks does not protect the skin from the root of the melanin production, which is UV radiation. The best preventive measure against hyperpigmentation is the use of sunscreen so that the skin does not get in contact with the dangerous sun. This means that if one does not protect him/ herself from the sun, then hyperpigmentation will continue or even get worse whether they are going for treatments or not.
Conclusion: Clay Masks as a Supportive Tool, Not a Cure
Facial clay masks are helpful for the general health of the skin and rough skin surface as it is involved in the process of exfoliations, nevertheless they do not impact on the issue of hyper pigmented skin by controlling the melanin secretion. Their primary uses include skin purifying, controlling sebum secretion, and exfoliating the outer layer of the epidermis that may help minimize darkness in the process of skin discoloration. However, for selective phototherapy for treatment of hyper pigmentation particularly in cases of melasma or severe post inflammatory hyper pigmentation selective treatment with active ingredients involved in the production of melanin are required.
When it comes to about hyperpigmentation, there is also the need to repeat the usage of the clay masks alongside other recommended treatments such as chemical exfoliating agents, antioxidant and most importantly broad-spectrum sunscreen waring. Overall, using clay masks can be helpful especially in combination with other treatments when used as supplements in skincare regimen but they should not be considered as the remedy for hyperpigmented skin.
